Hairstyles for Big Girls

Hairstyle for an overweight girl
Photo: Jonathan Ziegler/Shutterstock
Q: What are good hairstyles for big girls? Is there any style or length of hair that can make us look slimmer?
 
A: Hairstyles for big girls have to follow the same criteria as hairstyles for any other demographic: the style should be flattering to the face, provide balance to the features, and be in proportion to the whole body. Keep the hair’s overall volume in balance with the size and shape of the body in question.
 
Women who are “apples” (meaning their body shape consists of a heavier, rounded torso with slimmer legs) usually look better with mid-to-shorter hairstyles. Think textured long bobs or layered cuts. Not buzzed-short, but styled with less volume on the sides and more vertical focus/height on top to visually elongate the silhouette.
 
Women who are “pears” (whose bodies feature full-figured curves with broader hips and thighs) generally seem suited to medium-to-longer hair. They can typically handle styles with more volume, waves, or layers, as this creates a visual counterweight to the lower body’s prominence.
 
Hair for big girls who are apples
 
Hair for big girls who are pears
 

Important details to keep in mind:

• Don't Forget Face Shape: Body shape provides the macro-balance, but your face shape (round, oval, heart, square) dictates the cut's specifics. For instance, soft curtain bangs, side-swept bangs, or face-framing layers work wonders to break up roundness and draw attention directly to your eyes and cheekbones.
 
• Beware of Sharp Offenders: Extremely flat, slicked-back styles or blunt, jaw-length bobs can sometimes over-emphasize body proportions or overly round out face features. Softness, movement, and subtle layering are usually your best friends.
 
• Texture Matters: Hair density and natural texture (curly, wavy, straight) play a huge role in how volume behaves, so factor that into how much bulk a style adds around your neck and shoulders.
 
Avoid fad hairstyles, unless they happen to complement your specific body type and face structure.
 
I’d love to say that “this” specific hairstyle or “that” single length is perfect for big girls, but the fact is that even big girls come in all different shapes, heights, and sizes. Use the body-proportion tips above, factor in your face shape, find a skilled stylist you trust, and be honest with yourself about daily maintenance. You’ll be much happier with the result!
 
©Hairfinder.com
 
See also:
 
Hairstyles for the heavyset woman
 
How the right haircut can make heavy women look slimmer
 
How can I get my hair cut to make my face looks thinner?